Israel Controls Over 80% of Gaza After 1,000 Days of Conflict
Israel now controls more than 80% of the Gaza Strip following 1,000 days of military operations, with over 223,000 tonnes of explosives dropped on the enclave, according to a statistical update released by the Gaza government on Thursday. The government media office reported that more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 21,500 children and 12,500 women, while 9,500 others remain missing. A total of 173,514 Palestinians have been injured, including 433 journalists, and 5,400 people have undergone amputations, 18% of them children.
Widespread Destruction and Health Crisis
The Gaza government media office documented 1,500 cases of paralysis and 1,200 cases of vision loss. More than 58,800 children have been orphaned, while over 2.14 million cases of infectious diseases have been recorded, including 71,338 cases of viral hepatitis. Israel has completely destroyed 1,047 mosques and partially damaged 210 others, targeted three churches, and killed 312 mosque imams, preachers, Quran teachers, and other religious figures.
Infrastructure and Economic Losses
Israel destroyed or forced out of service 38 hospitals and 96 health care centres, and targeted 197 ambulances, 84 emergency vehicles, and 16 civil defence centres. The government estimated preliminary direct losses from the war at about $80 billion, including $34 billion in the housing sector. According to the statement, Israel has destroyed 335,000 buildings and housing units and damaged 737,000 others.
Ceasefire Violations and Continued Attacks
The government media office said Israel launched its genocide, with US support, on October 8, 2023, and that it officially ended with the entry into force of a ceasefire agreement on October 10, 2025. However, Israel continued violating the agreement through daily bombardment, tightening the siege, and blocking the entry of sufficient humanitarian, food, and medical aid.
Save the Children Reports 21,000 Children Killed
Aid agency Save the Children stated that at least 21,000 children have been confirmed killed in Gaza during 1,000 days of conflict, while hundreds of thousands more have been displaced and deprived of education. Marking the 1,000th day of the conflict, the agency said children continue to dream of peace despite losing their homes, schools and sense of safety. "Every day for the past 1,000 days, the world has failed one million children in Gaza, by not intervening to stop the killing and maiming of children," said Save the Children's Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Ahmad Ahendawi.
Displacement and Education Crisis
The organisation said at least 21,000 children have been confirmed killed during the fighting, though the true toll is likely higher because many remain buried under rubble. More than 800,000 children, about 80% of Gaza's child population, have been displaced, while Gaza's 625,000 school-age children have missed three years of formal education. Children who spoke to Save the Children described living in constant fear while holding onto hopes for a better future. "We could die at any moment. I hope the war stops so that I can continue my education in Gaza and live my rights as a human like any girl in other countries. There are many children in Gaza whose voices are not heard," said Amani, 14. Another 14-year-old, Bisan, said: "My wish is for the war to stop, for every one of us to return to their home, and for our lives to return to how they were."
Malnutrition and Allegations of War Crimes
The humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with an estimated 245,000 children at risk of or affected by malnutrition because humanitarian aid remains limited. Save the Children cited a recent UN Commission of Inquiry report alleging that Israeli authorities and security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children, resulting in allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. The organisation called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, accountability for crimes against children, and the suspension of arms transfers to Israel. Although a ceasefire was reached in October 2025, Israel has continued its attacks in the Gaza Strip. Overall, the war has claimed more than 73,000 lives and destroyed the enclave that would take years to rebuild.
